Our Mission
The mission of the Community Health Centers (CHC) is to improve the health of ALL within the communities we serve.
Our History
Since 1971, CHC has been the premier safety net provider in care for our community with a specialty in serving vulnerable populations. The breadth and scope of our health care and support services not only makes us one of the largest primary care facilities in the area, but an expert in care for homeless, low-income and immigrant populations.
As one of Vermont’s twelve Federally Qualified Health Centers, CHC cares for 30,000+ patients – a number representative of our compassionate care, array of services, and dedicated, professional staff. We offer convenient, expanded hours, nine locations, and special support services to encourage patients to take ownership in their own health care.
As a nonprofit organization, CHC is sustained through many sources. This includes community support from individuals and businesses, local, state and federal money, as well as revenue from operations.
What is an FQHC?
Spread across all U.S. territories, roughly 1,400 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide vital primary care to more than 25 million Americans. Directed by boards with majority consumer membership, FQHCs focus on meeting the basic health care needs of their individual communities. FQHCs, including CHC, serve all community residents, including people enrolled in employer-based insurances, Medicare/Medicaid, or public health insurances.
Our Services
Under our umbrella of comprehensive services, patients can access primary/preventative care, including:
Medical and Dental Care, Counseling/Psychiatry, a Homeless Healthcare Program, Elder Care, Nutrition Services, Substance Abuse Services, OB/Midwifery, Pediatrics, LGBTQ+ Specialty Clinics, an On-site Laboratory, Insurance Eligibility and Financial Assistance Programs including a Sliding-Fee Scale. We prioritize patient and staff safety by offering visits via telehealth technology, requiring masking in all CHC buildings, and promoting physical distancing within clinical spaces to prevent the spread of contagious diseases like COVID-
19.
Our Partnerships
CHC actively partners with other community organizations to ensure our wrap-around services are truly comprehensive. We work with affordable housing agencies, long-term care providers, the local hospital network, city and state officials, and more to best understand and meet patient needs. From COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics designed to reduce disparities for marginalized groups, to mobile outreach services for the unhoused, these collaborations enable us to widen our reach and broaden equitable access to care for our most vulnerable and/or underrepresented community members.
Our Culture
CHC is a mission-driven, people-oriented organization, both as a health care resource and an employer. The diversity of our patients is reflected in our staff, who are regularly surveyed for feedback to enable continuous improvements directly informed by the people at the heart of our mission and operations.
Learn more about our organization, services, employment opportunities, and how to become a new patient at www.chcb.org.
